Chief Executive’s Report on Draft Plan Consultation
Volume 2 – Summary of Submissions Received
vegetated area near a stream, which helps shade and partially protect a stream from the impact of adjacent land uses. It plays a key role in protecting/improving water quality in associated watercourses • Numerous Local Authorities in the review and preparation of their respective development plans have included specific policies which reserve riparian/buffer zones free from inappropriate development along banks of rivers and streams for the purposes of, inter alia, providing habitat, river maintenance, access for anglers, walkers, recreational area and pollution buffer zone and undertaken to maintain such corridors • IFI urges all local authorities to acknowledge and address the need for riparian habitat protection. IFI should be consulted in relation to any development (greenfield development or redevelopment of brownfield sites) that could potentially impact on the aquatic ecosystems and associated riparian habitat. • IFI is opposed to any development on floodplain lands.
Invasive Species
• The Development Plan should include policies to ensure that developments do not lead to the spread of invasive species. • Invasive species can transform habitats and endanger whole ecosystems with serious implications for the environment and the economy. An example of a proactive policy in this regard would be to prohibit invasive species from inclusion in landscape design proposals. • Landscaping proposals etc. should require the use of native species from local stock
River Crossing Structures:
• The impacts of poorly designed river/stream crossing structures can be serious in terms of habitat loss. • When structures are being designed for crossing fisheries waters, consideration must be given to the following biological criteria: species of fish required to safely pass; size of fish required to pass (life stage); time of year in which fish passage is required; and high and low design passage flows etc. • Bridges and bottomless culverts have the least impact on fish passage.
Water Conservation
• The Development Plan is an opportunity to promote policies and awareness of water conservation which may ultimately result in a reduction in water use. • Water conservation and water use efficiency are central elements of any strategy to enhance water supply reliability, restore ecosystems, and respond to climate change and changing demographics • Accomplishing water conservation and water use efficiency goals will require action by all water users, including residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural water users, local and regional planning agencies, state agencies, chambers of commerce, and business, commercial and industrial professional and trade unions/associations.
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS):
• The requirement for the inclusion of SUDS for surface water disposal is a positive indicator of the Council’s intention for the sustainable development of the area and should, in conjunction with good management of the site, aid in flooding and pollution management. • Such a design should be included in all development design proposals.
Management Policies:
• River Management Policies should be an integral part of any development programme and all waterways within the area considered as a natural resource requiring protection and development. • The following mechanisms for protection of the aquatic environment could be considered for inclusion in Area Strategic Management: • River Corridor Management Areas which provide for the protection and development of the aquatic environment (particularly within towns and cities). • Special Preservation Orders provided for specific habitats in need of protection e.g. an Aquatic Protection Order. • Special Amenity Areas, identified for their potential as Linear Parklands along waterways.
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